criteria. What those criteria are tends to differ from one government entity to another, including state and federal. Also, some states or municipalities have reciprocal agreements and some do not. There is no definitive answer that can fit all instances as far as I know.

"Small business" can also have different variations. There can be "small" businesses, "minority' businesses and 'gender oriented" businesses, or combinations thereof. Again, one must look into whatever gov't agencies are involved and what the requirements are. They all have websites that are very informative.

No agency or entity will (ok...should) ever post solicitations for a sealed bid (or any type bid) without clearly posting the requirements to submit a bid. They also must provide understandable language, clear time frames and a readily identifiable source for clarifications...usually the person posting the solicitation for bids.

Not sure if this helps. It is not one size fits all.

I am reading about the set asides. I'm also reading that a lot goes into generating a bid, considering that you might not get it. But, is it fair. That's something I care about.

if minority firms don't have a staff to put together bids, they are at a disadvantage. However, if all big contractors, minority and otherwise, tend to have a staff for bidding, then the next question is whether white male firms are always lowest because they are undercutting, and willing to take a loss.

The alternative is to just "go with who you know"… I definitely don't want that.

The Anne Arundel county question is poorly worded and I'm still trying to make sense of it. What I want to do is maximize sealed competitive bidding.

I'll figure it out. Thanks for sharing knowledge. I appreciate it.